Despite their pivotal role in ousting the former president Yoon Suk Yeol, women in South Korea find themselves feeling invisible as the race for the presidential election unfolds with a troubling lack of policies addressing gender inequality.
Women's Voices Silenced in South Korea's Presidential Race
Women's Voices Silenced in South Korea's Presidential Race
As South Korean women who once rallied for change now feel sidelined, they express concerns over the upcoming election's neglect of gender issues.
On December 3, in the midst of a video game, 24-year-old college student An Byunghui found herself thrust into the middle of a political upheaval when then-president Yoon Suk Yeol announced martial law. An announcement that rippled through the internet drove thousands, especially young women, into the streets to protest, vocalizing their frustrations against a leader who dismissed sexism in a nation plagued by inequality.
Women from across South Korea, including Byunghui, traveled to the capital Seoul, where they passionately protested against martial law and the president’s stance on gender issues. For four months, they rallied and cheered as his impeachment was confirmed—a moment of triumph after the tireless efforts on the streets.
Yet as the countdown to the June 3 presidential election begins, Byunghui and her peers are lamenting a return to invisibility. The leading candidates remain largely mute on women’s rights and equality, a critical issue for many, particularly among the youth who consider it essential for progress in society. Yoon's political strategy, which resonated with many young men who felt marginalized in a perceived feminist arena, has cast a shadow over their representation.
"The protests brought so much hope. We thought changes could happen, yet now it feels like we are being erased," Byunghui shared. Young women took to the streets not merely to oppose Yoon’s authoritarianism but to assert their place in a society long ingrained with misogyny—only to feel extinguished once again.
During those protests, the energy was palpable. Thousands gathered in the biting cold, ages intertwining, chanting K-pop anthems that embodied the solidarity they sought. Songs from years past echoed among the crowds, inspiring and fostering a sense of togetherness that many had longed for in a society resistant to change.
Research indicates a significant attendance of young women at these rallies, highlighting their importance in shaping the political landscape. Issues like a glaring gender pay gap and pervasive societal discrimination fueled their commitment and sparked an urgency for radical change.
Despite the initial victory with Yoon's impeachment, the atmosphere surrounding the presidential race feels disheartening, especially with no women candidates vying for the highest office—a stark contrast to previous elections.
Lee Jae-myung, the main opposition candidate, continues to garner interest, but many women are skeptical of his commitment to genuine reforms. Initially mute on gender issues, his recent pledges feel less authentic to those who fought to make their voices heard. As Lee strives to cast a wide net for votes, he has ironically drifted away from addressing women’s needs.
The current landscape has birthed new candidates with anti-feminist rhetoric, further alienating women who felt encouraged to push for change. Comments made during televised debates have fed these concerns, suggesting a grim outlook for those advocating for equality.
Among the myriad issues discussed, the lack of a comprehensive approach to the Ministry of Gender Equality stands as a critical point. Its reemergence reflects a recognition of women’s needs, yet their needs remain underfunded. Young women like Saeyeon express frustration as these funds disappear into problems beyond their control, further complicating the equilibrium between career aspirations and familial expectations.
As the election nears, Byunghui and her peers remain committed to advocating for their cause. They’re determined to continue their fight for equality, motivated by the knowledge that their previous protests brought change. The sense that it's time to make their voices heard once again remains ignited.
"I refuse to go back to a world where our issues are ignored," says Jinha. "Change may be slow, but it's coming, because we will not stop fighting for our voices to be included." Ahead lies uncertainty, but the resilience of young women in South Korea ensures that the fight for recognition persists, regardless of the political turmoil swirling around them.
